Moore helps boost Flames finals hopes
Rockingham moved within two wins of the top eight with one game in hand, while Kalamunda lost its fifth straight, falling four games outside the eight.
The Flames led by 27 at the final break having outscored Kalamunda 43-11 from midway through the second quarter, but the Suns won the final quarter 33-17 to make the score respectable.
Kalamunda led by five near the end of the second quarter but fell out of the game with a poor third quarter, where it had eight turnovers and shot just 12.5 per cent from the field.
Travis Moore was Rockingham’s best performer with 24 points and six rebounds and Rhett Della Maddalena (14 points, 10 rebounds) also played well.
Adrian Majstrovich put up the strongest resistance for Kalamunda with 27 points and six boards while Austin Bruton added 21 points.
Kalamunda’s finals chances are effectively over after the loss, with it continuing to disappoint despite its high pre-season expectations.
Rockingham coach Adam Forde said he expects a similar performance from his side in every game.
“The boys are tired of losing and I’m tired of losing. So to make the top eight is obviously our first goal and performances like tonight are certainly going to help,” he said.
“I’m happy with the performance. The guys really showed great intensity by holding such a talented team to eight points in the third quarter.
“We’re gunning for the top eight. We have realistic goals and we now have a great opportunity to win a few games in the next couple of weeks.”
Kalamunda caused a massive shock in the women’s game, defeating previous league leaders Rockingham 73-69.
Rockingham fell to second with the upset defeat while Kalamunda moved into the top eight with its second straight win.
Kalamunda trailed by eight after three quarters but took the lead with a 14-1 run to start the period and held on for a narrow victory.
The Suns were missing star player Melissa Moyle, with Sophie Doyle (18 points) and Lizel Buckley (16 points, six rebounds) its highest scorers.
Gail Eikhoudt had 15 points to lead the Flames, as its seven-game winning streak ended.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.